What are the Masonic Arts?

The Association of Masonic Arts takes a broad yet principled position in relation to what constitutes a Masonic Art. Because the Craft has a distinguished history reaching back to Operative Masonic times, so rich in religious symbolism, quite a bit of artistic imagery fits within the Masonic bailiwick. The AMA considers that many hallowed works of art, architecture, music, and literature have a possibly Masonic relationship in their genesis.

Though the basis for distinguishing these matters ultimately lies in verifiable scholarship, there seems to be no reason for not generally adopting a very expansive view of what lies under the classification of Masonic Arts. The general protocol of this expansive view being that in some way or other the artist intended to depict or inspire a Masonic theme with the work. This means that only those works which intend and manifest a sincere respect for deep Masonic convictions, in their use of Masonic symbols or themes are eligible to be included as Masonic Arts. With this proviso we can present a very inclusive précis of what is included in the category:

All works of visual and plastic arts, music, drama, literature, and architecture created by Brother Masons to depict or evoke Masonic themes or symbols.

All “ornaments of the Lodge” and regalia, jewels, and ritual implements made with bespoke Masonic intention for ritual.

Any historical design or motif that can plausibly be connected with Operative Masonry.

Works of fine art or artisan objects created by non-Masons with good-faith intent to depict something sincerely evoking the goals of the Craft using Masonic symbols or ideation.

N.B. All works that use Masonic symbols for purely ironic, malicious, instrumental purposes (as mere graphic motifs or design tendencies, in other words) are completely excluded. Such works can rightly be called “Pseudo-Masonic,” particularly if the claim some relation to Masonic symbolism.

All forms and acted attributes used in the performance of Masonic Degrees.

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APOLLO 2018

The Second World Festival of Symbolic and Masonic Arts
May 10th to 13th
at The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Alexandria, Virginia, USA

Apollo Festival of Masonic Arts is an World Celebration of the Symbolic Culture of the Freemasonry, organized by the Association of Masonic Arts, and hosted by different Grand Lodges around the World. The main purpose of the Festival is to present the centuries old Masterpieces of the Craft and contemporary Art products, made by Brethren from different Cultures and countries, in front of our global society.

Apollo 2018 includes:

*General Exhibition of Masterpieces of Masonic and Symbolic Fine Arts. Presentation of the History of Grand Lodges, Masonic Libraries and Museums, Masonic Authors and Artists.

*Lectures and presentations on the History and Contemporary development of the Symbolic and Masonic Arts and Material Culture. We welcome papers by Writers and Researches from all around the World. The papers will be published in Catalog of the Symbolic Arts.

*Concerts, Musicals, Dramas. The Stage is open to all Musicians and Performers of Symbolic and Masonic Art

*Student Contests at Poetry, Fine Arts, Music and Short documentary movies.

All Vendors, Publishing Houses and Companies, Museums and Libraries, related to the themes of the Symbolic Culture and Masonic Arts are Welcome!
Please, send e-mail to secure your table at the Festival to:
dimitarmavrov@yahoo.com

Registration
Coming soon

General Program
Coming soon

Materials for Participation
Coming soon

The First Apollo Festival was hosted by the Grand Orient of Brazil from September 15th to 20th, 2015 in the beautiful city of Brasilia. The Festival was under the patronage of the Sovereign Grand Master MW Brother Marcos Jose da Silvia, who was the First recipient of the Thomas W. Jackson Award for Masonic Leadership -the highest prize given by the Association of Masonic Arts, in recognition of the personal Achievements and dedication to the Symbolic Culture of the Craft.